Brenda Harris Dissects NORMA

Acclaimed American Soprano Brenda Harris agreed to sit down with COMMANDOpera for a wide ranging discussion devoted to Norma which the artist will be performing at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City on the evening of November 6. The role of Norma is considered the supreme role of the soprano range within the dominion of the Bel Canto repertoire. Norma is only taken on by the most confident of artists who not only own sufficient vocal resources, but the presence of star quality which is found rarely. Miss Harris first undertook the role some years ago, performing the work throughout America and abroad. The breathtaking and singular perfection of the Norma of Miss Harris may be known through audio excerpts found here. COMMANDOpera had for some time wished to illuminate this work in a most specific and personal manner. This could only be done through a Norma of great stature and depth. Since one would not disturb Miss Sutherland, the proverbial Rolodex listed only one other artist of sufficient gravitas: Miss Harris. Not everyone who writes on Opera enjoys such access, and COMMANDOpera is most thankful to Miss Harris for her kindness to this venue for making this important interview possible. COMMANDOpera advises readers to listen and hang on to every word of this discussion, as no analysis of this thorough weight exists anywhere in any other forum on the topic of Norma.

The interview was recorded on video via SKYPE which is the tool of choice for communication within the industry, and is in six parts.  The discussion marks the first such interview COMMANDOpera will undertake throughout the season, of which a number are already under negotiations. Bear with COMMANDOpera on this first outing which will undoubtedly revolutionise the content readers may enjoy from this venue as a norm in the future. Finally readers across the globe may now know Crew Mantle as something more than the scribe behind the veil of their screen. Please send no mail as to the likeness of voice to Mr. Clinton, as one has heard the parallel time and again.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6